"It would lead to runoff of sediment, which would be more of a reddish brown color," Pydynowski said.

Increased water temperatures also play a role in developing algae blooms that can cause water to turn brown or red.

Florida officials have been monitoring an area about 80 miles long and 50 miles wide in the northeastern part of the Gulf of Mexico where red tide has been reported.

Thousands of dead fish including various snapper and grouper species, crabs, flounder, bull sharks, bait-fish, eel, sea snakes and octopus have died as a result, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said on its website.